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'To be honest if I didn't have a strong character that would have affected me but I know my qualities, I know what I give to the team,'

The win means an impressive United will pick up a £30m windfall after missing out on European football last year.

'United have to be in the Champions League,' Rooney added.

Depay and Adnan Januzaj congratulate Rooney following the Englishman's crucial goal against Club Bruges

Rooney elected to chip onrushing Club Bruges goalkeeper Sinan Bolat following a through pass by Depay

'It was a big disappointment last year. It is exciting now. We will go back, do our recovery, get ready for Sunday and we will enjoy the draw. It's nice to be back in it again.'

Van Gaal hailed the former Everton man, who is now 16 behind Sir Bobby Charlton's club record of 249 goals.

'I have given him always the confidence that the player needs,' the Dutchman said.

'Wayne has a very strong mentality and with his level he shall always come back but still it's a long way for him and also for Manchester United - it's not so easy but of course I'm happy for him.'

Rooney taps into an empty net to score his second following a fine sidewards pass by Ander Herrera

Summer signing Matteo Darmian shares a word with goalscorer Rooney after his captain's first goal

Van Gaal also revealed he would not be watching Thursday's draw in Monaco.

'I shall watch the second team against Ajax because I cannot influence the draw so it is better to hear afterwards,' he said.

He added that he thought his former club, Bayern Munich, would want to avoid United.

'I don't think they want to draw us. We have to wait and see. It was a glorious night for Man United and it's not easy what we have done. Swansea (on Sunday) is our most important game now. We lost six points against them last year so we have to improve that.'

Former United midfielder Paul Scholes was scathing in his criticism of David de Gea on BT Sport

De Gea was absent in Belgium with Red Devils boss van Gaal believing the Spaniard to be not focused

Meanwhile United legend Paul Scholes, covering the game for television, hit out at absentee goalkeeper David de Gea.

The Spaniard has been at the centre of a summer-long link with Real Madrid and has been dropped by Van Gaal who believes he is not focused.

'How can he lose focus?' said Scholes.

'He is getting paid by this club, it is a brilliant club. They paid a lot of money on a young keeper to give him this chance. If the manager is right and says he has lost focus then I think he is out of order.'